Dan Lier Blog
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After hitting on a brilliant new life plan, our first instinct is to tell someone, but Derek Sivers says it’s better to keep goals secret. He presents research stretching as far back as the 1920’s to show why people who talk about their ambitions may be less likely to achieve them. Something to think about….
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Being that I am a Las Vegas resident, I found this clip from Steve Wynn very interesting. There’s no disputing his business savvy and accomplishments, so maybe Steve has hit the nail on the head.
One of the characteristics of leaders is CERTAINTY. People are looking for certainty; in business, in life, as a parent or a spouse, certainty is a fundamental character of leadership. Click on the clip… what do you think; is Steve CERTAIN about what he is saying?… or is it more like an opinion?
I’d say his level of certainty is a “10″ on my “1-10″ certainty scale.
Green Day
I am a big believer in being open to new ideas and the “never ending” learning process. Here’s a nice leadership piece from Robin Sharma.
Last night I watched a documentary about the rise of Green Day. They have morphed into one of the world’s most popular as well as influential rock bands, selling over 65 million records, filling stadiums in cities across the world and inspiring a whole new generation of musicians.
#2: They out-practiced their competition.
The original members of Green Day came from broken homes. Parents were not around much. So most of their free time they practiced. Often they would write songs all day and play guitar all night. Like all genius-level performers, relentless practice over an extended period of time births extraordinary performance.
#3: They were well grounded.
After Dookie sold over 14 million copies, the members of Green Day reached superstardom. However, rather than succumbing to the seductions of success, they remained grounded. They started their families and they remained true to their roots. This has allowed them a longevity that so many rock bands never achieve.
#4: They understood the power of renewal.
After the success of their breakthrough album Dookie, Green Day toured the world relentlessly. But then after that – at the peak of their success – they took a complete year off. They spent time with their families. They pursued other musical projects. And they refilled their well of inspiration. Rather than burning out, this period of time allowed them to come back stronger and to continue having fun at their craft.
#5: They dared to innovate.
The albums that followed their breakthrough release actually sold many less records. However, Green Day were willing to relentlessly innovate. The album they were working on before American Idiot came out was actually a mess in the sense that their master tapes were stolen. Many bands would have given up. However Green Day saw it as an opportunity to rewrite the entire album. They came up with an idea of a rock opera and released American Idiot. This became their biggest seller and 15 years after they started, they reached a whole new level of fortune.
Sushi Roku - Vegas
Because I live in Vegas, I get a chance to dine at various establishments and attend a plethora of shows… and being a Vegas resident for 7 years, I am an expert on dining and entertainment in Sin City. I’m just sayin’… if you’re interested, read on.
Jennifer and I visited Sushi Roku last night, as we were looking for an hip place with a cool vibe. We walked into BOA Steak House and it was a bit stuffy; then walked into Sushi Roko and it was perfect. Cool, hip music with light conversation and laughter throughout the restaurant. A full Sushi bar of course and an overall cool environment… and if you’re luck you can have a strip view to top it off.
We got lucky and had the table straight back and to the lelt… overlooking the strip, looking south toward Paris and PH. Very cool. We enjoyed to Sushi Roll; cripsy spicy tuna with alvacado… excellent, then spicy yellow tail. We both ahd the Crusted Salmon for the entree with some rice and a salad. Incredible taste and freshness and the coffee was incredible… almost like a turkish blend. The service was fantastic as well.
I give it Sushi Roko a solid “9″ on the 10 point scale. So if you’re staying at Caesars or shopping at the forum shops… give it shot. I think you’ll be extremely satisfied with food, service and ambiance.
Sushi Roku – Las Vegaswrites… L.A.’s wildly popular Sushi Roku is now in the newly expanded Forum Shops on the Las Vegas Strip. With it’s critically acclaimed Modern Japanese fare and Zen-like atmosphere, Sushi Roku is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Reservations are recommended.
Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Neighborhood: Caesars – The Forum Shops Cross Street: Flamingo / Las Vegas Blvd
Menu: View menu on restaurant’s website Price: $30 and under Website: http://www.innovativedining.com
Email: confirmationslv@innovativedining.com
Phone: (702) 733-7373 Hours of Operation: Lunch: Sunday-Thursday 12:00pm-3:45pm, Friday-Saturday 12:00pm-3:45pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday-Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa Executive Chef: Andres Rondan DressCode: Business Casual Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
"Le-Gone"
Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert posted this letter on the team’s website after LeBron James’ announcement he was leaving for the Miami Heat.
Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight.
As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.
This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.
Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight: “I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”
If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.
Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there. Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.
This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.
But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.
The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
Just watch.
Sleep well, Cleveland.
Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….
I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:
DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….
Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers
Because I live in Vegas, I get a chance to dine at various establishments and attend a plethora of shows… and being a Vegas resident for 7 years, I am an expert on dining and entertainment in Sin City. I’m just sayin’… if you’re interested, read on.
Prime Steakhouse... 3 of 10
I’ll make this a short story… stuffy, overpriced and mediocre. Old school money type dinner… reminded me of some old country club what wouldn’t allow Tiger to dine there because he didn’t fit their profile. Obviously, I’m being facitious, yet the vibe in there was very stiff. No thanks. I love a great steak dinner, yet i enjoy feeling comfortable and there are many other places, such as Charlie Palmers in the Four Seasons, or Ruth Chris. Rating 3 of 10. Expensive and disappointing.
Here’s Prime’s description: Savor every rich detail. Award-winning, four-star celebrity chef and restaurateur, Jean-Georges Vongerichten invites you to realize steakhouse dining at its finest with prime steak, seafood and lamb accompanied by fabulous sauces, sides and meticulously selected wines. Ensconce yourself in the establishment’s handsome chocolate brown and delicate Tiffany blue décor – the elaborate design of Michael DeSantis. To further enhance your experience, prominent pieces of artwork are on display including three commissioned paintings by Carlo Maria Mariani, George Deem and Michael Gregory, as well as a water-themed canvas screen created by Joseph Raffael. A garden patio provides the perfect setting for lingering with your favorite cocktail in one hand and a fine cigar in the other.
Wow…you and make anything sound good with some solid descriptors and name dropping. i say drop on over to Charlie Palmers.
Because I live in Vegas, I get a chance to dine at various establishments and attend a plethora of shows… and being a Vegas resident for 7 years, I am an expert on dining and entertainment in Sin City. I’m just sayin’… if you’re interested, read on.
Brio - Town Square, Vegas
Jennifer and I met a cleint/friend and his wife for dinner at Brio, which is located in Town Square near the intersection of 215/15. It’s a cool, hip place that both Jennifer and I had eaten at before… so pretty safe bet.
BRIO brings the pleasures of the Tuscan country villa to the American city. The Italians built their spacious country villas to escape the pressures of urban life and enjoy “La Dolce Vita” – the good life.
They would mingle with family and friends and eat freshly prepared food from their grounds while surrounded by natural beauty. In just that manner, Brio offers its guests “La Dolce Vita.”
The vibe is full of energy, like a real italian restaurant… talking, laughing and plenty of food and wine drinking and the service was outstanding. We all had incredible meals along with an above average caesar salad. Medium priced as well. The company was great, which always make the dining experience more enjoyable. 8.5 is my rating. Solid choice for people looking for good food, moderate pricing and a great atmosphere.
I hope you'll join the conversation with us!
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